Elite Martial Arts Rockaway, Rockaway

Elite Martial Arts Rockaway doesn't just take ancient fighting techniques seriously—it also takes students seriously, even if they're only 4 years old. The dedicated instructors teach youngsters how to defend themselves while taking care to instill them with respect, both for those around them and especially for themselves. In addition to regular classes, the center hosts an after-school program that provides transportation, martial-arts classes, a healthy snack, and homework help to young athletes.

But adults have a place at Elite Martial Arts Rockaway, too. The instructors pack these classes with strength and conditioning exercises, aerobic and anaerobic routines, and real-life self-defense skills that come in handy during an emergency or a parking-lot rumble with a cocky inflatable, flailing tube man. Dedicated self-defense and weaponry workshops round out the course catalog.